by Kevin Allen, USA TODAY Sports

by Kevin Allen, USA TODAY Sports

PITTSBURGH - The Pittsburgh Penguins' acquisition of Brenden Morrow is about a general manager paying a steep price in the trade market to land a player known for always paying a price to succeed on the ice.

Pittsburgh GM Ray Shero had to part with prized defensive prospect Joe Morrow, 20, no relation, to secure the seven-time 20-goal scorer with a reputation for leadership, tenacity and drive.

"The way he plays the game was something we wanted to add," Shero said.

The Penguins also receive the Stars' third-round pick in 2013, and give Dallas their fifth-round pick.

"Brenden Morrow has represented everything we could ever ask for in a Dallas Star over the past 14 years, giving his heart and soul to this franchise. On behalf of the entire Dallas Stars organization, we wish Brenden nothing but the best going forward and thank him sincerely for his years of service," Stars general manager Joe Nieuwendyk said.

At the time of the trade, the Penguins were riding an 11-game winning streak. Shero said only that Morrow, 34, would play among the team's top nine forwards, but he could end up playing on the team's second line with Evgeni Malkin and James Neal once Malkin returns from injury. He likely will be on the Penguins' second power-play unit.

Shero called his acquisition "a proven playoff guy."

Morrow had a no-trade clause, but waived it for the chance to join the Penguins. Shero said he spent 20 minutes on the phone with Morrow explaining where he would fit in with Pittsburgh.

Shero didn't dispute the notion that he paid a significant price to land Morrow, who has six goals and 11 points in 29 games this season. Shero said he believed Joe Morrow would play for many years in the NHL.

"I don't set the price," he said. "It's the team that has the player."

Shero just had to decide whether he was willing to pay that price, and he was because the Penguins have a collection of good young defensemen.

"We identified Joe as an outstanding prospect and a target for acquisition if ever available, and we feel he can solidify our blue line for the foreseeable future," Nieuwendyk said.